AB 1411 requires non-VCA counties to adopt voter education and outreach plans and the Secretary of State to provide a template

Assemblymember Sharp Collins presented AB 1411, which would require counties that do not conduct all-mail elections under the Voter—s Choice Act to prepare voter education and outreach plans subject to review by the Secretary of State. The Secretary of State—s office would provide a template, including options for language accessibility and accommodations for voters with disabilities. The sponsor and author framed the bill as restoring and standardizing a long-standing requirement that had fallen into inconsistent compliance.

Supporters included the Secretary of State—s office, Disability Rights California and other civic organizations. Committee discussion focused on whether the requirement duplicates voluntary outreach performed by campaigns and civic groups and on concerns about county costs; the author and the Secretary—s office said the bill restores an existing statutory mandate (dating to the 1970s) and supplies a template to reduce county burdens rather than imposing heavy new requirements.

A member asked whether the bill mandates outreach rather than leaving it to counties; the author confirmed counties will be required to submit plans and the Secretary of State—s office would provide the template and support. The committee voted to move the bill; roll-call statements in the hearing record show the motion passed and the bill was referred to the next committee.

Votes at a glance: Motion to pass as amended; committee tally recorded as yes 4, no 1 (roll-call recorded in transcript).

Ending: The author asked for the committee's aye vote and the committee moved the bill forward; members noted they would keep working on details and county support.